History of The William Borden House circa 1768

The Borden House was built by William Borden, Jr. His father, William Borden, Sr., was a ship builder from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, who arrived in North Carolina in 1732 aboard his schooner with his wife Alice Hull. The younger Borden was born in 1731 and also became a skilled shipwright.

The senior Bordens also had three daughters—Alice, Catherine Hope and Hannah. William Borden, Sr. is thought to be the son of John Borden, one of two progenitors of the Borden family in America.

William Borden, Sr. was a Quaker who settled his family in Mill Creek where they built a shipyard and sawmill. He was a prominent citizen in Carteret County, eventually becoming the largest land and slave owner in the county. He became very active in public affairs and bought a great deal of property including land on Bogue Banks—which was known as “Borden’s Banks” in the late 1700’s. William Borden, Sr. died in 1747, leaving his properties to his son and daughters.

William Borden, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became very prominent in town, county and colonial affairs. In 1765 records show that “a good Quaker” near Beaufort distilled turpentine and made other naval stores. He also continued the family shipbuilding business—becoming a leader in the Carteret County shipbuilding industry.

Following the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the Fifth Provincial Congress met in Halifax, North Carolina on November 12, 1776. William Borden, Jr. was selected as a delegate from Carteret County. During that season the Bill of Rights was adopted—December 15, 1776.

Records show that William Borden purchased the property and built a home at 301 Front Street in 1768. During the Revolutionary War the British captured Beaufort. Borden’s Mill Creek plantation was plundered, his mill and storehouses burned, and his papers and slaves were taken. Nevertheless, his Beaufort home survived and remains today for all to enjoy.